American car maker to only offer basic model initially.

More Tesla Model 3 details revealed

With other car companies breathing down its neck in the race to mass produce an electric vehicle, Tesla is streamlining the initial release of its all-important small sedan.

And to this end, the first customers might find the list of options underwhelming.

Reuters has reported that Tesla CEO, Elon Musk, told shareholders at the annual general meeting that customers will have just two boxes to tick before taking delivery of their new electric vehicle.

"You just need to decide what colour you want and what size wheels, at least for the initial production," Musk said.

Musk's statement seems to confirm that the first Model 3s will be available with just one battery pack, power output and maximum range.

The first production-run of Model 3s will also only available in rear-wheel drive, so those wanting all-wheel drive will have to wait until sometime in 2018.

Tesla's belief that one of its new cars is 'the worst it will ever be' at the time of purchase still applies to the Model 3, however, with a raft of options and improvements expected to become available through over-the-air upgrades in the future.

Musk did not hint at when this may occur or what those options might be, but beefier battery packs, expanded autonomous operation and new infotainment choices could all be on the list.

And buyers won't have to wait long to make their wheel and colour choices, with Tesla expected to request these answers from July.